N-W product Kilgour out as Bandits coach

by TSchmitt

Mon, Jun 10th 2013 06:02 pm

He's the winningest coach in the history of the National Lacrosse League, but today Darris Kilgour is out of a job. The Niagara-Wheatfield product will not be back next season as the coach of the Buffalo Bandits, according to a release from the team today.

The team will begin its search for a new head coach immediately.

"It's never easy making this type of decision," said Scott Loffler, Bandits director of lacrosse operations. "However, we felt that a change at head coach is needed at this time to turn things around. What makes this decision especially difficult is that we are parting ways with Darris Kilgour, who has been an integral part of the success and history of the Buffalo Bandits. Words cannot express our gratitude for what Darris has done for this organization and there is no doubt he will have success in lacrosse circles in the future. We wish him the best of luck."

"It was an incredibly tough decision," said Bandits General Manager Steve Dietrich. "Because when I think of the Buffalo Bandits I think of Darris Kilgour and John Tavares. I had the pleasure of playing with, for, and against Darris and I love his utter belief in the Bandits organization. We believe we need a new voice and a new vision behind the bench to lead the new generation of Bandits as we continue to strive to bring the Champion's Cup back where it belongs."

Kilgour posted a 103-73 career record as head coach of the Bandits from 2003 to 2013. The Bandits went 11-9 in 20 playoff games under Kilgour, including three NLL Finals appearances and a Champion's Cup win in 2008.